Process and apparatus for treating ores.



APPLICATION FILED AUG-27,1914.

L. E. PORTER.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ORES.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915'.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

L. E. PORTER.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ORES.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-27. 1914.

, 1,136,483; Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

3 SHEETS-8HEET 2T L. E. PORTER.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ORES.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-27. 19:4.

1, 136 ,483, Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

3 SHEETB-SHEET 3.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEWIS E. PORTER, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO HUGH STOCK, OF CASPER, WYOMING.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING DRES- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it' known that I, LEWIS E. PORTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles, State of California, have invented a new and useful Process and Apparatus for Treating Ores, of which the following is a specification.

The process and apparatus relate to systems of ore treatment and particularly to systems which are adapted to the recovery of copper zinc, and other metals, directly from their ores, and especially 1 m sulfid ores. The system is further adaptt for the recovery of zinc and copper from complex ores containing various metals.

The usualprocess of treating sulfid ores is to roast and leach such ores for the purpose of changing the s'ulfids into sulfates, oxid's, or chlorids, the sulfates, oxids, and chlorids yielding readily to various treatments.

In my invention I dispense with all pre liminary treatment passing the raw ore directly into an electrolytic cell where it is agitated and pulsated in the electrolyte in the anode chamber. Metallic salts are formed from the ore and the gases released by electrolytic action, and these metallic salts are held in solution in the electrolyte and the metal is deposited therefrom as the electrolyte is circulated through the cathode chambers.

The principal object of my invention is to provide such a process in which metal is directly deposited from an electrolyte which is formed and maintained at saturated strength, from ore held in suspension, in the same cells in which the deposition takes place.

A further object of my invention is to provide electrolytic cells in which the area of the electric path will be large and thelength of path will be small thus providing for a maximum of ct'liciency by reducing the electrical resistance and the C R losses due to such resistance. I have found that where filth diaphragms are used to separate the anode and cathode compartments of such a cell that there is a great tendency for such diaphragms to clog up due to the collection of slimes thereon, and a further object of my invention is to'agitate and pulsate the ore in the anode chamber in such a manner as to continuously scrub the diaphragm by the action of the pulverized ore on the same.

The process illustrated and described herein is an improvement on the process disclosed in my application, Serial No."837,939, filed in the United States Patent Office May 11, 1914, for an eie :trolytic cell.

While the inve;.t-ion is applicable to YE rious ores containing copper, zinc, or similar metals, the chemical action taking place in treating such ores vars vary with different kinds of ore, and for the purpose of illustration only the chemical action in treating a copper suliid will be described herein.

Further objects andiaduautages'wili be evident hereinafter. i

For. the purpose of accomplishing the above named objects I have devised not only the new process, but have also devised a new type of apparatus as will. hereinafter" more particularly described. I

Referring to the drawings, which are in! illustrative purposes only, and which show one embodiment'of my invention: Figure 1 is a plan view in whil'i the apparatus in volved is shown diagrammatically.- Fig. 2 is an elevation of a portion of the apparatus. Fig. 3 is a perspective View ofone of the electrolytic agitators. Fig. i is a plan View of such an agitator.

In these drawings, a series of electrolytic cells 10, which. are also agitators or gmixers, are located in a single row on a definite gradient so that a circulation of electrolyte and ore can take place successively, therethrough under the action of gravit The method of construction of these agi' atoms is illustrated in F 3 and 4, the a itators haing made up of sides 11 and en s 12 which may be conveniently fOll'ikZ Ii of wood or similar material. ihirous diai'hragms are tightly secured in the ends divlding eaclb of the agitators in de zomgzirtments 14 and cathode comp lil. The anode compartments 1 i .v-e in open communication with each other thr ugh an opening 153 formed in a bl: cathode compart 18, which are pref ii Insoluble anodes eraoly formed of carbon or n'ulgnetite. are permanently secured against the sides ll of the agitator in thaanode compartme means of straps is with a longitudinal bus bar 20 running the whole length of the series of agitators and connected to any convenient source of electrical supply. A motallic cathode 2.1 rcnrn'ai ly mounted in of wood i? set in the 1 A. being connected by 1 head weak electrolyte tank 3 the center of the cathode chamber 15 being preferably formed of a thin sheet of copper, each of these sheets being connected through a flexible connection 22 with a longitudinal bus bar 23 running the whole length of the series of agitators and connected to the source of electrical energy. To prevent confusion the bus bars 20 and 23 are shown d agrammatically in Fig. 7, and entirely omitted in Fig. 2. .The anodes and cathodes do not extend to theextreme bottom of the agitator, a considerablespace being left below them.

Openin into one end of each of the oathode cham ers 15, at the extreme bottom thereof, is adeposit outlet pipe 24, these deposit outlet pipes being connected through valves 25 with a longitudinal pipe 26 which discharges in a copper washing tank 23, the valves 25 being normally closed as will be explained under the method of operation. Opening into eacli'of the cathode chambers 15, at a point somewhat higher than the pipes 24, is a solution outlet pipe 27 which is carried diagonally upward,-v entering the next agitator through a pipe 28 communicate ing with the top of the cathode chamber of this next agitator. The first of the anode chambers is fed through the 'pipe 30 communicating with thepipe 28 of that agitator from a clear saturated solution tank 31 located above the first of the agitators, the

flow therefrom being regulated so that there is a continual supply of clear saturated solution fed into the first of the cathode cham bers. The pipe 30 has been omitted for the sake of clearness. chambers communicates through a pipe 32, in open communication witl the solution outlet 27, with a weak electrolyte tank 33 located below the last of the agitators so that the solution is readily carried away to this tank under the action of gravity. A force pump 34 is provided which takes the weak electrolyte from the tank 33 through a pipe 35, forcing it through a ipe 36 into a i located considerably' above the first of the agitators. A pipe 38 carries the weak electrolyte to a longitudinal pipe 39 which runs along beside the agitators. A series of pipes 40 connect with the-pipe 39, valves 41 being placed "therein, these valves being normally closed and connecting the pipes 40 with perforated pipes 42 which extend across the agitators passing over a sprocket 4'8. A guide 49 is provided for the chain-45 and is so located .that the projections 44 are forced to strike against the levers 43 in successive order as The last of the cathode the chain is moved, thereby opening the valves 41 and injecting the weak electrolyte,- under some pressure, into the bottom of the anode chambers causing the pulsation and agitation of the pulp and circulation of solution through the pulp.

An anode outlet pipe 50 is provided opening into the anode chamber 14 of each agitator considerably below the top thereof and discharging into the top of the anode chamber of the next. succeeding agitator, the outlet 50 opening from the anode chamber on one side of the agitator and discharging into the anode chamber on the other side of the next succeeding agitator, so that a circulation of the solution takes place downwardly through one anode chamber, through the opening 16, and upwardly through the other anode chamber of each agitator. The speed of the chain 45 is made such, and the pressure under which the solution is delivered to the pipe 39 is such, that the injection of solution into the anode chambers is under considerable force and is maintained for a suflicient period to completely ffill the agitator in spite" of the in the anode chambers-being raised by the injection of fresh liquid through the valves v41, this level thereafter being lowered by the gradual action of the overflow pipes 50 during the time that the valves 31 are closed.

-This movement of the ore in the anode chamber continuously scrubs the diaphragm which is preferably formed of a thin slice of yucca wood,thereby preventing the adhesion of slimes' from clogging this diaphragm. The last anode chamber communicates through an overflow pipe 51 with a tailings tank 52 from which the solution is forced by a pump 53 into a slime tank 54. blear saturated solution is removed from this slime tank by means ofa pipe 55, being carried into the clear saturated solution tank 31 from which it passes through the pipe 30, previously described, into the first of the cathode chambers. An ore chute 564s provided through which finely pulverized ore is fed at auniform rate from, a crusher or other convenient means, this stream of ore being regulated to suit the number and capacity of agitators used.

V The method of operation is as follows: The. treatment of a copper sulfid ore being chosen as an example, the ore held in suspension in an electrolyte consisting of a solution of copper sulfate is successively'circulated through the anode chambers of the agitators, the cathode chambers being also kept filled with a solution of cop er sulfate.

and S0, at the anode. This SO,- unites .Electric current is then passed tirough the electrolyte liberating copper at the cathode with the copper of the ore to form copper sulfate, free sulfur being liberated. Under some conditions other chemical reactions may occur but the above action is that de pended on. It will be seen that there is a continual. impoverishmcnt of the electrolyte in the cathode com mrtmcnt and a con tinual enrichment of the electrolyte in the anode com partnicnt. n The practical method of operating the apparatus is as follows: Pulverized ore is fed through the chute 56 into the anode .cbanil'rr ll of the first of the electrolytic the anode cl'iani crs are filled oicwtrolyte which i321": been in :ed through the pipes T 2 and the clcc and suspended ore are agitated by the;- periodic injection of more weak electroi te through the pipes 42. The ore and so el te pass thrugh the openings 16 L. 1 tilt. e-orrespozuling anode chamber on the other lie of the agitator being reagiby the periodic introduction i( electroi vte through the pipe 42. 25 'l hc ole and eiectrolyte then pass through the pipii into the succeeding agitator Wi'liltmore 2k cieciror tc is added, the

ore beiiw l ension by the agitathereby. This continues .--'z.- 'e.= 'ling agitators, the copper an hr ore by combination 1 .llic'i. at the anode, CUSO o urlectmlyie Fri-e sulfur the sliliid ore forming a product. porous diaprnent the ole from passing od chamber at the same 11:: electric current to pass ire of ore and solution taut; Di through the mintron a saturated Hie. 'i he ratiof flow th agitators lri surh a iiwmugiily treated l 0- nicrs the failings tank "in! t='il' l'ill{. this tank air/er. all tho cop as copper sriiliso n the med ..-.z ri1i;1

The

rear 5a.:

i noooh Mia w" Iil' l :r satinni'cd taiicn from -aturatcd s clear saturated soi i. 21d through the of flu if:i?li u whaili rough and the solution outlet 1 into the top of the cathode ll e .next succeedingagitator.

not adhere permanently to the cathode, falling into the bottom of the cathode chamber after it has accumulated on the cathode in sufficient amounts. This deposited copper is removed at intervals through the deposit outlets 21 being passed through the pipe 26 76 into the copper washing tank 27 in which it is washed, it being thereafter melted into suitable bars. A solid metallic deposit can be formed on the cathode 21 if desired.

The electrolyte having passed through the successive cathode chambers is slightly impoverished and passes into the tank 33 through the pipe 32 being then forced into the tank 37 by the pump 34. From this tank 37 it passes through the pipe 38 into the pipe 39, being injected therefrom into the anode chambers through the pipes 42 as previously described.

It is to be understood, While I have described the path followed by a single particle of solution, that all the operations described herein are simultaneous, the solution flowing in moontinuous path through the apparatus described so that ore is continuously flowing through the anode chambers, and copper sulfate solution is continuously flowing through the cathode chambers, electrolytic action taking place simultaneously in these chambers.

I claim as my invention:

1. An electrolytic cell and agitator comprising a containing vessel, porous diaphragms dividing the interior of said vessel into anode and cathode compartments, an anode in each anode compartment, a cathode in each cathode compartment, an anode compartment outlet pipe located in the side of said vess-l in open communication with the anode compartment at some distance from the top of said compartment, and means for intermittently in ecting solution into said anode compartment.

2. An electrolytic cell and agitator comprising :1 containing vessel, porous diaphragms dividing the interior of said vessel into anode and cathode compartments, an anode in each anode compartment, a cathode Er cacll cathode compartment, an anode compaitinent outlet pipe located in the side of said vessel in open communication with the anode compartment at some distance from the top of said compartment. and means for intermittently injecting solution into said anode chamber at a rate considerably faster than the discharge rate through said outlet pipe, so that the level of the electrolyte in the anode chamber rises during the time of injection and falls during the intervals between said injection.

prising a containing vessel, porous diaphragms dividing the interior of said vessel into anode and cathode compartments, an anode in each anode compartment, a cathode in each cathode compartment, an anode cont partment outlet pipe located in the side of said vessel in open communication wit-lithe anode compartment at some distance from the top of said compartment, and perforated pipeslocated at the bottom of said anode chamber for intermittently injecting solution into said anode chambe a rate con siderably fasterthan the discharge rate through said outlet pipe, so that the level of the electrolyte in the anode chamber rises during the time of injection amt falls dur-- ing the intervals between said 'in icction.

4. An electrolytic apparatus mnnprising a cell divided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode compartments each having suitable electrodes, means by which an orc in' suspension in an electrolyte is flowed through the anode compartment, and means whereby an electrolyte containing the values extracted in the anode compartment is flowed through the cathode compartment.

'5. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode compartments each having suitable electrodes, means by which an ore in suspension in an electrolyte is flowed through the anode compartment, means for pulsating the ore and the electrolyte in the cathode compartment, and means whereby an electrolyte containing the values extracted in the anode compartment is flowed throu h the cathode compartment.

6. in electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a porous anode and cathode compartments each having suitable electrodes, means by which an ore in suspension in an electrolyte is flowed through the anode compartment, means for injecting poor electrolyte into the anode compartments, and means whereby an electrolyte containing the values extracted in the anode compartment is flowed through the cathode compartment.

7. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode compartments each hat ing suitable electrodes, means by which an ore in suspension in an electrolyte is flowed through the anode compartment, means for intermittently injecting poor electrolyte into the anode compartments, and means whereby an electrolyte containing the values extracted in the anode ron'ipartinr-nt is flowed through the 'athodc compartment.

8. An electrolytic apparatus commisinh a cell divided by a porous iiliaphrugz'ui into anode and cathode ronipartnients rarh hav ing suitable electr des, means by which an orc in suspension in an Qhcl'rolytc is flowed through the anode compartiucnt, a valve diaphragm into' through which poor electrolyte may he in troduced into the anode compartment, means to." intermittently opening, said valve, and means whereby an electrolyte containing the: values. extracted in the anode compartment is flowed through the cathode compartment.

1'). An electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a porous diaphragm into amide and cathode compartments each ha ng: suitable electrodes, means by which an ore in suspension in an electrolyte is flowed through the anode compartment, means for removing from the cell any deposited metal that falls to the bottom of the cathode com-- partnient, and unions whereby an electrolyte containing the values ed in the anode coini'airtmcut i flowed nirougl'i the cathode compartment 10. An lectrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a. porous diaphragm into anode ant cathode compartments each has ing suitable electrodes, means by which an ore in suspension in an electrolyte. lowed through the anode connimrtment, means for removing from the cell. any deposited metal that falls to the bottom ii the cathode compartmcnt, means for pulsating" the ore and the electro to in the cathode conn'zartmont, and means \i'hsrehy an electrolyte coutaiir inp, the values extracted in the anode com-- pertinent is iloucd through the cathode coinpartnientt ll. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a porous diaphragn'i into anode and cathode compartments each haw ing suitable electrode-1, means by which an ore n suspension in an electrolyte is flowed through the anode umnpartmcnt, means for removing from the "fil any deposited metal that falls to the bottom of the cathode compartment, and means for injecting into the cathode compartment electrolyte containing the values extracted in the anode chamber.

12. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode compartments each having suitable electrodes, means by which an ore in suspens on in an electrolyte flowed through the anode cmnpartment, means for removing; from the cell any deposited metal that f lls in the bottom '1 thrrode coniparluiuut, moans for Htlfl'llilg poor electrolyte into the anode compartments, and means when-by an electrolyte mmtaining the rallies extracted in the anode compartment is flowed through the cathode ctmiparimcnt. l3. \n electrolytic appzzrrutus comprising a coll \lirided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode coinpartments each bar inn suilahlo ele trodes, mums by which an ow in suspension. in an electrolyte is lowed through thranode om'ipartn'ient, means for [QHHH mp fioni the cell any deposited metal that fail to the'bottom of the cathode com partmcnt. means for internsittently injecting poor electrolyte into the anode compartments, and means whereby an electrolyte containing the values extracted in the anode compartment is flowed through the cathode compartment.

14. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell divided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode coim'iartments each having suitable electrodes, means by which an ore in suspension in an electrolyte is flowed through the anode compartment, means for removing from the cell any deposited metal that falls to the bottom of the cathode compartment, a valve through which poor elec trolyte may be introduced into the anode compartment, means for intermittently opening, said valve, and means whereby an electrolyte containing the values extracted in the anode compartment is flowed through the cathode compartment.

15. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a plurality of cells, each cell being divided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode compartments, suitable electrodes in said compartments, means for causing an ore in solution in an electrolyte to flow successively through the anode con'ipartments for the purpose of extracting the values to form a rich electrolyte, means for separating the eangue from the rich electrolyte, and means for circulating the rich electrolyte through the cathode compartments.

16. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a plurality of cells, each cell being divided by a porous diaphragm into anode and cathode compartments, suitable electrodes in said compartments, means for causing an ore in solution in an electrolyte toflow successively through the anode compartments for the purpose of extracting the values to form a rich electrolyte, means for successively passing said rich electrolyte through the cathode compartments so that the values are partially extracted therefrom to form a poor electrolyte, and means for injecting said poor electrolyte into the anode compartinents.

ln testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at Los Angeles, California, this 20th day of August, 1914.

LEWIS E. PORTER. in presence of- Foul) lV. l'lANIS, FRED A. MaNsrinLD. 

